Marlborough representatives in the E’stel Tasman Trophy club rugby competition made the worst possible start today.
All five of the cross-over matches played across the top of the south were won by Nelson-based opponents.
At Lansdowne Park, Waimea Old Boys walloped Central 57-21, Nelson defeated Moutere 23-10 at Neale Park in Nelson, Kahurangi beat Renwick 40-13 at Riwaka, East Coast lost 37-12 to Marist in Seddon and Wanderers prevailed 23-8 over Waitohi in Picton.
All except the East Coast game were reasonably closely-poised at the halftime mark, suggesting the Marlborough-based sides either ran out of puff or their opponents lifted their game substantially.
Both those factors were certainly evident during the Central v Waimea OB clash.
The teams went tit-for-tat for much of the first half, a seven-pointer to the Blues being followed, often immediately by a converted try to the visitors. With the scores at level 21-21 Waimea bagged their fourth just before halftime to take a 26-21 advantage into the break.
Although they turned with a slight wind advantage in the second 40, it was a noticeable lift in aggression, improved execution and impact from the bench that allowed Waimea to run away with the match.
Wingers Mo Tau, who scored a hat-trick, Mitch Amberger, with a double, and replacement Xavier Albert were always dangerous on the flanks and the main benefactors of good clean out work at the breakdown and slick passing by the visiting backline. Halfback Angus Kay and his second half replacement, the experienced Kaide Whiting, scored the other tries.
First five Campbell Parata, a former Australian schools rep, impressed in his first outing, contributing 17 points. He kicking for line and goal astutely, plus providing a couple of well-judged grubber kicks. The 18-year-old looks to have a big future.
Up front hooker Anthony Ellis stood out with some bullocking runs, veterans Jeff Lepa and Ben Coman did their core jobs well, while loosies Dan Hytongue, Ben Eder and Lemeki Cagilau generally had the better of their Central rivals.
Both visiting halfbacks cleared smartly while centre Caleb Coventry and fullback Michael Stringer made full use of the extra space allowed when the Central defence tired.
The Blues began with a dominant scrum but, as the match progressed the visitors began to take charge of the set piece. Prop Peter Vakaloa, skipper Reyne Volavola, flanker Vailua Kaloni and flanker Braden Stewart tackled stoutly while midfielder Nigel Satherley, winger Simi Volavola and halfback Ethan Jones had their moments in a losing cause.
Defending Tasman Trophy champions Nelson ran in three tries in a scrappy affair against Moutere.
Despite being without stars Isaiah Miller and Willy Havili, Nelson dominated territory and possession in the opening quarter. Skipper Chris Kerslake opened the scoring for the hosts then Pelefoti Siaki scored Nelson’s second soon after from a Moutere lineout error as the visitors had no answer for Nelson’s powerful pack.
However Moutere halfback Ben Finau pulled one back for his side as the Magpies managed to stay in the fight.
A hot period of attack looked promising just before the break but a knock on saw Moutere go into the sheds training 15-7.
A scrappy start to the second saw Moutere creep three points closer before Nelson’s responded immediately, slick backline passing setting up fullback Saul Lewis for the home side’s third.
Repeated infringements saw the referee finally lose patience and send Sosefo Vaka to the bin.
Moutere failed to capitalise on the extra man however, and a late Nelson penalty sealed the victory.
Scores:
Waimea Old Boys 57 (Mo Tau 3, Mitch Amberger 2, Angus Kay, Kaide Whiting, Xavier Albert tries; Campbell Parata pen, 7 con) Central 21 (Nigel Satherley, Peter Vakaloa, Braden Stewart tries; Glen Smith 3 con) HT 26-21.
Nelson 23 (Foxley, Pelefoti Siaki, Lewis, tries Barry 1 con 2 pen) Moutere 10 (Finau, tries Reece 1 cons, 1 pen). HT 15-7.
Kahurangi 40 Renwick 13. HT 20-10.
East Coast 12 Marist 37. HT 19-7.
Wanderers 23 Waitohi 8. HT 8-8.